Jenna Nelson Patton

Jenna Nelson Patton – Editor

Author-friendly editing to help you take your project where you want it to go. 15+ years. 300+ books.

Overview

Hello! What are you working on? And what are your next steps?


Nonfiction Authors

I'm an experienced editor who truly enjoys working with authors to make every book the best it can be. I develop projects that help readers unlock their inner strength, set intentions, and invite healing. I specialize in projects that inspire readers to explore the natural world. I enjoy working with authors who help their readers make lifestyle changes and reach challenging new goals. I edit food and cookbook manuscripts of all kinds—from Ayurvedic balancing to cannabis cocktails to vegan baking.


Fiction Authors

I can help you revise effectively with publisher expectations in mind. I edit novel-length work, with a special interest in shorter forms (short story, novella, novelette). I also welcome authors who are translating works and submitting to literary journals.


What You Can Expect

I keep my schedule flexible so that when we work together you know my full attention is on your work. My turnaround times are reliable, and my aim is to make the editing process tailored to you. I can send you a sample edit with my offer to give you a good sense of what working with me is like. I am easy to work with! Let's talk about how to take your project where you want it to go.

Services
Non-Fiction
Cooking, Food, Wine, & Spirits Health & Wellbeing Home & Garden Nature New Age Self-Help & Self-Improvement Sports & Outdoors
Languages
English (CAN) English (US)
Certifications
  • PhD, Emory University
  • MA, Universite de Montreal
  • BA, University of Pittsburgh
  • Editing Certificate, University of Chicago
  • Copyediting Certificate, UC–San Diego
  • Plain Language Certificate, Simon Fraser University
  • Indexing, UC–Berkeley
  • Developmental Editing, Author-Editor Clinic

Work experience

Self-employed

May, 2009 — Present
My portfolio on Reedsy includes a small sample of the 100s of projects I have been a part of. Publishers and authors hire me to develop books that inspire readers to be creative, make lifestyle changes, and reach new goals. I have worked with award-winning authors (IACP & James Beard), celebrity chefs, and *many* successful first-time authors who have a passion for sharing their work. I like being a part of the team that turns a manuscript into a finished book. I learn something new from every project, and it seems like there is always a new trend or ingredient to keep things interesting. I truly enjoy helping authors set their readers up for success.

Asymptote literary journal

Aug, 2024 — Present
Asymptote is the premier site for world literature in translation. I work on the copy editing team to prepare fiction, poetry, criticism, special features, interviews, and visual material for publication.

Portfolio

Made with Reedsy
Who Will Let the Dogs Out: Stories and Solutions for Shelters and Rescues

Achterberg, Cara

Waldo Publishing

Developmental Editing
A Healthier Home: The Room by Room Guide to Make Any Space A Little Less Toxic

Holman, Shawna

Fair Winds Press

Proofreading
Made with Reedsy
How to Start Running (And Enjoy It)

Casson, Sarah Austin

Copy Editing
The Complete Grimoire:Magickal Practices and Spells for Awakening Your Inner Witch

Pradas, Lidia

Developmental Editing
Made with Reedsy
The Happy Mason Jar: Quick, Easy Mason Jar Desserts and Wine Pairings

Cremeans, Alyssa

Copy Editing
No Meat Athlete, Revised and Expanded: A Plant-Based Nutrition and Training Guide for Every Fitness Level—Beginner to Beyond [Includes More Than 60 Recipes!]

Matt Frazier

No Meat Athlete is the plant-based guide you need to perform at your very best, from starting block to finish line.No Meat Athlete combines proven training plans, easy yet innovative recipes, ... read more
Copy Editing
Bottom of the Pot: Persian Recipes and Stories

Naz Deravian

Naz Deravian lays out the multi-hued canvas of a Persian meal, with 100+ recipes adapted to an American home kitchen and interspersed with Naz's celebrated essays exploring the idea of home.
Copy Editing
The Sweet Side of Sourdough: 50 Irresistible Recipes for Pastries, Buns, Cakes, Cookies and More

Schiff, Caroline

Copy Editing
The Art & Practice of Spiritual Herbalism: Transform, Heal, and Remember with the Power of Plants and Ancestral Medicine

Rose, Karen M.

Developmental Editing
The Dog Diet Answer Book: The Complete Nutrition Guide to Help Your Dog Live a Happier, Healthier, and Longer Life

Greg Martinez

Avoid the vet by learning how to treat your pup's symptoms and know that a better diet means a healthier, happier dog. Is your pup fighting to feel better? Your dog's skin problems, ear infect... read more
Copy Editing
The Vegan Bread Machine Cookbook: Splendid Plant-Based and Dairy-Free Vegan Breads

Martin, Shane

Harvard Common Press

Proofreading
Mastering Macarons: Uncover the Scientific Secrets to Making the Perfect French Macaron

Csibi-Levin, Fred

Page Street Publishing

Proofreading
Adorable Animal Bakes: 60 Cute Creations to Make with Your Family

Wood, Cathryn

Page Street Publishing

Proofreading
Bring Home the Bakery: Sourdough Recipes for High Hydration Breads, Laminated Pastries and Swedish Buns

Sánchez, Grego Montalbán

Page Street Publishing

Proofreading
The Big Book of Tarot Meanings: The Beginner's Guide to Reading the Cards

Magdaleno, Sam

Developmental Editing
The Beginner's Guide to Ayurvedic Home Remedies: Ancient Healing for Modern Life

Weis-Bohlen, Susan

Developmental Editing
The Path of the Witch: Rituals & Practices for Discovering Which Witch You Are

Pradas, Lidia

Developmental Editing
The Unofficial Princess Bride Cookbook: 50 Delightfully Delicious Recipes for Fans of the Cult Classic

Reeder, Cassandra

becker&mayer! books ISBN

Developmental Editing
Plant Magic for the Beginner Witch: An Herbalist’s Guide to Heal, Protect and Manifest

Sands, Ally

Copy Editing
Vegan Fast Food: Copycat Burgers, Tacos, Fried Chicken, Pizza, Milkshakes, and More!

Watson, Brian

Copy Editing

Jenna has 7 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Wendy C.

Wendy C.

Feb, 2025

I had such a great experience working for Jenna. Her help, guidance and insight improved the quality of my project from a reader perspective by at least 50% - a huge improvement, and I learned so much too. I really enjoyed the process and highly recommend Jenna.
Who Will L.

Who Will L.

Aug, 2024

Where to begin? Jenna has been so much more than just a developmental editor for this project. Her insights, suggestions, and willingness to talk through just about anything, have made the book infinitely better. I am SO grateful for the encouragement, wisdom, and expertise she provided. All of m...
Read more
Maritza J.

Maritza J.

Jul, 2024

This was my first time working with an editor. Jenna Nelson took care to walk me through the process and gave me some tips on some of the things I should expect as I move forward with my project. Through each step of the way, I felt like my work was being taken seriously and I felt the feedback a...
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Wendy C.

Wendy C.

Jun, 2024

I have been working with Jenna on the developmental edit of my book and it has been a great experience. She is always quick to respond and turn a chapter around. Her edits are clear and helpful. Not only is the book improving but I am also learning a lot. The best part for me is that this wa...
Read more
Sarah C.

Sarah C.

Jan, 2024

Working with Jenna was a delight. She gave great edits and communicated clearly. I'll definitely be reaching out to Jenna for future projects. I'm so glad I worked with Jenna!

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